So, I was thinking about getting into dwarf cichlids (always liked & kept the larger cichlids, but dont have the tank space at the moment). Anyways, the Blue Rams seem to be too beautiful not to want...so before I venture into them, I want to make sure I have all my questions answered.

I know they need higher temps... would my neon tetras be okay in that temp?

As far as tankmates...would neon tetras, otos, and an ADF be safe to house with a blue ram?

Is it okay if the blue ram is the only one of its kind? I know the profile mentioned a m/f pair.

For set up, I was thinking a 10 gallon, with a single blue ram, my ADF, my 2 oto, and my 5 neons (would add a few more neons to the group). (Would also have to invest in a better heater with options as the preset one currently in the tank I would upgrade wont heat hotter than 78F.)

So... I would love people who own blue rams in similar housing and tankmates to respond in addition to folks that are more familiar with this beautiful fish.

And yes, my pH is low enough for them, and the tank would be fully cycled before adding the ram. There will also be live plants, and if the ram digs them up I am okay with that as I deal with it currently with the ADF.

Another thought (feel free to point out any flaws in this) is to do the 10 gallon, put a divider in it, and have the blue ram on one side by himself with an oto, and on the other side have my betta with an oto and my ADF, moving my neons to my larger tank. I guess that would come down to the idea of can a blue ram have enough space in a 5 gallon square??? (Profile says 15 gal for a pair)

If none of these options work, then I guess I will just have to wait a few years when all my fish have passed on and do a solo ram in the 10 gallon.

________________________

Edit: Just looked up neon tetra profile and answered that question for myself, they can NOT be housed with rams due to the temp, as neons are cooler water (max of 78F).

So, I was thinking about getting into dwarf cichlids (always liked & kept the larger cichlids, but dont have the tank space at the moment). Anyways, the Blue Rams seem to be too beautiful not to want...so before I venture into them, I want to make sure I have all my questions answered.

I know they need higher temps... would my neon tetras be okay in that temp?

As far as tankmates...would neon tetras, otos, and an ADF be safe to house with a blue ram?

Is it okay if the blue ram is the only one of its kind? I know the profile mentioned a m/f pair.

For set up, I was thinking a 10 gallon, with a single blue ram, my ADF, my 2 oto, and my 5 neons (would add a few more neons to the group). (Would also have to invest in a better heater with options as the preset one currently in the tank I would upgrade wont heat hotter than 78F.)

So... I would love people who own blue rams in similar housing and tankmates to respond in addition to folks that are more familiar with this beautiful fish.

And yes, my pH is low enough for them, and the tank would be fully cycled before adding the ram. There will also be live plants, and if the ram digs them up I am okay with that as I deal with it currently with the ADF.

Another thought (feel free to point out any flaws in this) is to do the 10 gallon, put a divider in it, and have the blue ram on one side by himself with an oto, and on the other side have my betta with an oto and my ADF, moving my neons to my larger tank. I guess that would come down to the idea of can a blue ram have enough space in a 5 gallon square??? (Profile says 15 gal for a pair)

If none of these options work, then I guess I will just have to wait a few years when all my fish have passed on and do a solo ram in the 10 gallon.

________________________

Edit: Just looked up neon tetra profile and answered that question for myself, they can NOT be housed with rams due to the temp, as neons are cooler water (max of 78F).

No, the ram would need at least ten gallon, with twenty gallon being much better.
Would also note that if your livebearer's are thriving,, guppies,mollies, then it is doubtful that the ram who appreciate soft acidic conditions will last long unless you are planning on mixture of R/O tapwater.